America’s next top X Factor finalists

“The X Factor” rounded out its top 16 Tuesday night, and we’ll see them all in action during next week’s live shows. (Britney Spears with no net? I can’t wait.)

But first, the promo photos of each hopeful have been released, with some startling changes. Some contestants remain mostly untouched: Vino Alan, Tate Stevens, Emblem3, Sister C, Lylas and the teens.

San Antonio’s Paige Thomas, however, is fully embracing the Rihanna comparisons, with some Gaga in the mix. That first photo looks like she’s wearing some of the decorative pieces my mom used to have in the living room.

And whose idea was it to make CeCe Frey blond? She’s almost unrecognizable. (And I thought the leopard spots were history.)

Willie Jones works a Bobby Brown angle, even in his stance. (Cue “Every Little Step.”) Jennel Garcia was introduced to a flat iron. Jason Brock’s flamboyance is still there but cleaned up. David Correy’s rough edges have also been smoothed out, but it’s nice to see they didn’t cover up his tattoos. And am I the only one who thinks Lyric 145 is channeling TLC in those photos?

I’ve been dying to see Britney live. Im curious to see what she is really like, nothing like live TV to show the true Brit. She is always so nervous when she is giving critique. Which is not much considering she says the same things over and over….. “you are so cute”, “you are adorable”, “that was amazing” “I think you are really talented”
Those are her “go to” phrases. Hoping she improves next week.